For the first time since 1999, Tinora's high school boys and girls cross country teams are both Green Meadows Conference (GMC) champions in the same season!
It was a remarkable day for the Tinora Rams at the GMC Cross Country Championships in Edgerton, as three teams brought home conference titles. The high school boys, high school girls, and junior high girls each earned GMC championships, marking an unforgettable achievement for the Tinora cross country program.
For the high school girls, the victory was especially meaningful, marking their first GMC team championship since 2012. With five freshmen playing key roles, the team demonstrated tremendous growth and determination throughout the season. The high school boys continued their impressive run of success, capturing their fourth consecutive GMC team championship, while the junior high girls added another conference title to an already historic day.
Head Cross Country Coach Jim Winseman knew his boys had the potential to continue their championship streak, but the girls' success would depend on several factors coming together.
"I knew the boys would win the GMC for a fourth straight year," Winseman shared. "I thought the girls might have a chance, but everyone would have to stay healthy to accomplish it."
Standout Performances Lead the Way
Throughout the championship meet, Tinora runners delivered impressive individual and team performances.
Senior Nolan Rittenhouse made Tinora history, becoming just the second boys cross country runner in school history to earn First Team All-GMC honors in all four years of high school.
Noah Meyer turned in an outstanding race with a time of 16:12, while Ben Hardman captured first place in the junior high boys race. Freshman Lauren Rittenhouse finished fourth in the high school girls race, and JT Zolman, who joined the team more than a month into the season, earned Second Team All-Conference honors while improving his personal record by an impressive 50 seconds.
The junior high girls delivered an outstanding team performance, placing runners second, third, and fourth to help secure their conference championship. The high school girls also demonstrated their depth, placing five runners among the top 11 finishers, while the high school boys had five runners finish in the top 14.
Success Built on Hard Work and Determination
While the championships are worth celebrating, Winseman credits the success of all three teams to the dedication his athletes have shown throughout the season.
"The thing that made all three teams successful was the hard work and dedication they put into cross country from the start of the season to now," Winseman explained.
Perhaps one of the most exciting stories of the season has been the growth of Tinora's girls cross country program. With five freshmen contributing to the high school team's success and the junior high girls capturing their own GMC championship, the future looks especially promising.
Winseman recalled watching his younger runners face challenges early in the season but continue to fight and improve week after week. Their perseverance ultimately helped bring the girls' GMC championship back to Tinora for the first time in 14 years.
That same dedication can be seen throughout the entire program. The high school boys have established a tradition of excellence, earning four consecutive GMC championships through consistent training and commitment. Some of Tinora's top runners log more than 50 miles per week during the summer and season, demonstrating the discipline and determination required to compete at such a high level year after year.
The success of the junior high program also has Winseman excited about what lies ahead. He credited junior high head coach Clay Bowden for helping his athletes perform their best when it mattered most.
"The future is very bright for the Tinora cross country program," Winseman shared.
A Championship Moment to Remember
For Winseman, the excitement continued to build throughout the meet as each race brought another reason to celebrate. From Ben Hardman's individual victory to the junior high girls' impressive finishes and both high school teams delivering championship performances, the day was filled with memorable moments.
However, one moment stood out above the rest.
"I would say the special moment for me was getting a picture with all the high school and junior high kids and coaches on the podium," Winseman shared. "You don't get very many chances to experience a day like that too often."
Winseman also recognized junior high head coach Clay Bowden and assistant coach Amber Delgado for their contributions to the program's success. He expressed appreciation for Paul Westrick, Logan Baldridge, and Logan Coy for their leadership and support, along with the student-athlete leaders who have helped hold their teammates accountable throughout the season.
"I've been lucky to have so many wonderful people helping and contributing to the success of this great program," Winseman said.
Rams Set Their Sights on State
With GMC championships secured, both high school teams have their sights set on making even more history.
For the high school girls, the goal is to qualify for the OHSAA State Cross Country Championships for just the third time in school history. It would be an especially remarkable accomplishment for a team featuring five freshmen who have continued to grow and improve throughout the season.
Meanwhile, the high school boys are pursuing a state championship of their own, building on their success and experience from another outstanding season.
"The boys have the talent and toughness to do it," Winseman said. "We've got to put our best race together on the biggest stage at State."
If both teams qualify, it would mark the first time in Tinora history that the boys and girls have advanced to State in the same season.
The postseason journey includes district competition at Leaders Farms, regional competition at Hedges-Boyer Park in Tiffin, and the state championships at Fortress Obetz near Columbus.
Winseman hopes the Tinora community will come out to support these dedicated athletes as they continue their postseason journey.
"These kids have worked their butts off since the middle of June for the next three weeks," Winseman shared. "It's going to be exciting."
Congratulations to Coach Winseman, Coach Bowden, Coach Delgado, and all of our Tinora cross country student-athletes on an unforgettable GMC Championship performance!
Your hard work, dedication, and accomplishments have made the Tinora community proud. Go Rams!
